--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In the early '80s there was a big gap…" description: "\"In the early '80s there was a big gap between the NBA and the international game and when we started making our careers here in the NBA, obviously, we ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/628/vlade-divac-5860_better_in-the-early-80s-there-was-a-big-gap-bet_867013.jpg" --- # In the early '80s there was a big gap between the NBA and… ![“In the early '80s there was a big gap between the NBA and the international game and when we started making our careers here in the NBA, obviously, we became better players. When we used to play each other on the international level, that gap became smaller and smaller.” quote by Vlade Divac](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/628/vlade-divac-5860_better_in-the-early-80s-there-was-a-big-gap-bet_867013.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/628/vlade-divac-5860_better_in-the-early-80s-there-was-a-big-gap-bet_867013.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/628/vlade-divac-5860_better_in-the-early-80s-there-was-a-big-gap-bet_867013.jpg) > “In the early '80s there was a big gap between the NBA and the international game and when we started making our careers here in the NBA, obviously, we became better players. When we used to play each other on the international level, that gap became smaller and smaller.” [Vlade Divac](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vlade-divac/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Recognition that international basketball has narrowed the skill gap with the NBA, improving player development. **In simple terms:** International play raises NBA standards. Key Takeaway Learn from global competition. Themes sports evolution globalization skill development Mood analytical optimistic Type sports historical When to use this quote - team training - scouting - international tournaments Key Concepts basketball history talent exchange Questions to Reflect On - How can NBA teams further integrate international talent? - What lessons can young players draw from this evolution? A Different Perspective Cultural differences still affect play styles. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [Game](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/game/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) ## Related quotes > [It's cool just to be able to have the opportunity play an international game.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/todd-gurley/it-s-cool-just-to-be-able-to-have-the-opportunity-play-an/) [Todd Gurley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/todd-gurley/) > [We Latinos are in a growing stage in the NBA. 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